Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Portable Sawmill
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a portable sawmill having a cutting mechanism
for sawing lumber.
Background of the Invention
There are several prior inventions for portable sawmills.
US Patent No. 5,784,941 describes a portable sawmill in which the functions of
adjusting a cut and making a cut are divided between two separate devices. The
invention discloses a vertical chain saw, ideally operated in an upward
direction.
The invention also discloses a dedicated internal monorail track, with wheels
both above and below the track. The invention also discloses a throttle
actuator,
attached to a side of the frame or track.
US Patent No. 5,243,892 discloses a portable sawmill with a frame base and an
inverted U-shaped frame, supported by a carriage rolling along side tracks
defined by the frame base. The chain saw is supported by a transversely
slidable holder on the cross-beam of the frame. The chain saw is oriented in a
vertical direction, and, in use, the log is placed on the U-shaped frame.
US Patent No. 4,640,170 discloses a portable saw mill with a frame that
surrounds the log. The frame is dragged or slid along a frame supporting
surface. The frame holds a chain saw at the two ends of its blade, in
horizontal
fashion, with chain saw support members. The invention uses sliding means for
facilitating the movement of the frame over the log.
US Patent No. 4,275,632 describes a portable sawmill comprising a U-shaped
support or carriage, holding a band saw. When in use, a log is placed between
the two guide rails and is supported in place by a jacking mechanism with
adjustable shelves. The band saw is in a generally horizontal position, and
does
not adjust, instead, the log is moved up and down using a jacking mechanism.
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US Patent 4,307,641 describes a portable sawmill comprising two skid rails,
vertical support members, a pair of guide rails. The chain saw is held below
the
guide rails.
US Patent No. 4,300,428 describes a portable sawmill having a frame, a guide
member mounted above the frame, and a carriage. The chain saw is mounted
above the log, and operates at about a 45 degree angle to the horizontal. The
log is moved up and down using logjacks. The guide rail is a monorail.
US Patent No. 4,235,140 describes a saw mill. Though it does disclose a pair
of
guide rails, the guide rails are not on the same horizontal plane, and as such
the
sawmill requires grooved wheels to structurally hold the chain saw in place.
US Patent No. 3,965,788 describes a saw guide for use with a vertically
operated
portable chain saw.
US Patent No. 3,926,086 describes a portable saw mill that uses a complex
pulley system to move the chain saw and supporting platform. When in use, a
log is placed, and clamped, between the guide rails.
US Patent No. 3,695,316 describes a portable timber milling jig that uses a
carriage, holding a chain saw, axially surrounding a square guide rail. The
chain
saw is held at an approximately 45 degree angle and only uses one guide rail,
and utilizes ball bearings on the carriage to move the carriage with respect
to
the guide rail. When in use, a log is placed under the guide rail.
Canadian Patent No. 1,200,180 describes a portable saw mill comprising a frame
with a guide rail and a carriage moveable along the guide rail. A band saw is
supported by the carriage. The carriage is moveable along the guide rail along
two sets of wheels, one engaged with the upper side of the guide rail and the
other with the lower side.
US Patent No. 4,245,535 describes a portable sawmill with an elaborate
hydraulic apparatus for cutting a log. The chain saw cuts in a vertical
motion.
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US Patent No. 4,210,049 describes an "x" frame for holding a log, with a chain
saw affixed to the frame in cantilever position for cutting logs crosswise.
There is a need for an improved portable sawmill that is easily displaceable,
easily assembled and disassembled into portable components, and which can
use generic components as its saw and/or guide rails.
Summary of the Invention
The portable sawmill of the invention is quick-connect/quick-disconnect and
can
be carried and operated by one person alone and is suitable for transport in a
car, truck, airplane or all-terrain-vehicle trailer to a site where it is
used. The
sawmill is suitable for use with a conventional ladder as a timber track.
The invention teaches a device for holding and moving a powered sawhead along
a linear path comprising a carriage base, having an assembly capable of
engaging either a first guide rail or a second guide rail positioned parallel
to the
first guide rail, and, when engaged to such guide rails extended horizontally,
capable of horizontal movement along the guide rails; a vertical post
extending
from a top end to a bottom end, the post being or capable of being attached at
the bottom end to the carriage base; a vertical slide, extending horizontally
from
the post, capable of vertical displacement along the post, the displacement
being
lockable; wherein the vertical slide further being capable of being affixed to
a
powered sawhead having a powered saw blade such that, when the device is
assembled and the powered sawhead is affixed, the powered saw blade is
capable of cutting in a generally horizontal plane.
Preferrably, a generic ladder is used as the guide rails.
In another embodiment, the invention teaches a device for holding and moving a
powered sawhead along a linear path comprising: a carriage base, having a
base, an assembly capable of engaging a first guide rail and, when engaged to
such a first guide rail extended horizontally, capable of horizontal movement
along the first guide rail; an outrigger arm, adjustably connected to the
carriage
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base and having an outrigger assembly, such outrigger assembly capable of
engaging a second guide rail and when engaged to such a second guide rail
extended horizontally, capable of horizontal movement along the guide rail,
wherein the adjustable connection allows for varying, lockable, distances
between the carriage base wheel assembly and the outrigger wheel assembly; a
vertical post extending from a top end to a bottom end, the post being capable
of being attached at the bottom end to the carriage base; a vertical slide,
extending horizontally from the post, capable of vertical displacement along
the
post, the displacement being lockable; wherein the vertical slide further
being
capable of being affixed to a powered sawhead having a powered saw blade so
that, when the device is assembled and the powered sawhead is affixed, the
powered saw blade is capable of cutting in a generally horizontal plane.
The vertical slide can be a horizontally projecting sawhead support plate
capable
of being affixed to the vertical slide and further capable of being affixed to
a
powered sawhead having a saw blade such that, when the sawhead support is
affixed to both the vertical slide and the sawhead, the saw blade is capable
of
cutting in a generally horizontal plane.
The vertical post and the vertical slide can be of close contact sleeve
construction.
In an embodiment, the device of the invention further comprises a throttle
handle on the push handle, a cable connecting the throttle handle to a
throttle
activator, the throttle activator capable of activating a throttle of the
powered
sawhead.
Any one or more of the guide, carriage base and vertical slide can be
reversably
quick-connected or quick-disconnected for storage or transport.
The sawhead can be a chainsaw, a circular saw, a bandsaw, or the like.
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Brief Descriution of the Drawinas
Figure 1 is a perspective illustration of the assembled sawmill, that is one
aspect
of the present invention, and is labeled with its major components.
Figure 2 shows a portion of the sawmill of Figure 1, namely, the sawmill log
dog
and log support assembly. Figures 2A and 2B show exploded views of portions
of Figure 2.
Figure 3 shows a portion of the sawmill of Figure 1, namely, the sawmill log
dog
and log support. Figures 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D show exploded views of portions of
Figure 3.
Figure 4 shows a portion of the sawmill of Figure 1, namely, an exploded view
of
the carriage base and vertical post assembly.
Figure 5 shows a portion of the sawmill of Figure 1, namely, an exploded view
of
the carriage base and vertical post assembly showing the upper wheels of the
outrigger arm and the carriage base wheel assemblies.
Figure 6 shows a portion of the sawmill of Figure 1, namely, an exploded view
of
the vertical post and vertical slide.
Figure 7 shows a portion of the sawmill of Figure 1, namely, an exploded view
of
the carriage base and outrigger assembly showing the full wheel assemblies of
both the carriage base and the outrigger arm.
Figure 8 shows a portion of the sawmill of Figure 1, namely, an exploded view
of
the push handle and track sweepers.
Figure 9 shows a portion of the sawmill of Figure 1, namely, an exploded view
of
the throttle assembly.
Figure 10 shows a portion of the sawmill of Figure 1, namely, the chainsaw
support assembly.
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Figure 11 shows a portion of the sawmill of Figure 1, namely, the wheel and
guide rail alignment.
Figure 12 shows a portion of the sawmill of Figure 1, namely, the chainsaw,
chainsaw guard and lumber scale assembly.
Figure 13 shows an exploded view of an optional saw bar lubrication system of
the present invention.
Figures 14 - 20 show the sawmill of Figure 1 in operation.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
The present invention provides a simple, versatile, cost-effective and
portable
sawmill which can be readily assembled, disassembled, carried, and used by one
person. It is particularly suitable for use by hunters, "do-it-yourselfers",
and
people situated in remote areas, who need to saw boards, beams, clapboards,
shingles, etc. The sawmill's design enables it to be manufactured from
extremely sturdy, reasonably inexpensive materials, and permits various types
and sizes of chainsaws and ladders (to be used as rail guides) to be utilized.
While there are several prior inventions for portable sawmills, none are as
advantageous as the present invention, which has several inventive features
not
found in the prior art. Notably, the present invention is capable of utilizing
a
standard, user-supplied ladder as a track for accurately guiding the saw while
in
use. The present invention is designed to be portable, and easy to assemble or
disassemble. The present invention is easy to transport in smaller vehicles
such
as a car, boat, airplane or all-terrain-vehicle (ATV). The present invention
is
suitable for use with either a chainsaw sawhead or a bandsaw sawhead. The
present invention has an advantageous vertical slide and sawhead support
assembly which allows for quick connecting or disconnecting of the sawhead (be
it chainsaw or bandsaw) from the sawmill, as well as quick adjustment of the
pitch and plane of the saw. The present invention comprises a triangle
carriage
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base with adjustable outrigger arm(s) and twin-flanged wheels, which allows
for
improved, smoother movement of the saw. In addition, the present invention
may comprise a push handle that is quickly connected or disconnected, is
adjustable, features a throttle assembly, and can be used to more safely and
more comfortably guide the saw. The present invention can also comprise track
sweepers which clean the sawmill guide rails while the saw is in use. The
present invention is simple and cost-effective to manufacture and use.
Generally, the portable sawmill comprises a pair of horizontally-positioned
guide
rails generally parallel to one another, a carriage base that rides along the
guide
rails on at least two wheel assemblies, a vertical post extending from the
carriage base, a vertical slide that moves up and down the vertical post and
that
can be locked in place, such vertical slide capable of being attached to a
cutting
instrument such as a chainsaw or a bandsaw sawhead. Optionally, the portable
sawmill is adjustable so that a generic ladder can be used as the guide rails.
To
use the portable sawmill of the present invention, the user places a log
parallel
to the guide rails, adjusts the height of the vertical slide to achieve the
desired
depth-of-cut on the log, and moves the carriage base along the guide rail to
cut
the log longitudinally. The user can then reset the carriage base to the
starting
position, re-adjust the vertical slide to a different height, and move the
carriage
base along the guide rail again to make a second cut in the log, such second
cut
being generally parallel to the first cut, to provide the user with a plank of
wood.
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described as shown in
Figures 1-12. All figures show the present invention fitted with a chainsaw
sawhead. The present invention is also suitable for use with a bandsaw
sawhead.
Figure 1 gives a perspective view of a portable sawmill that incorporates
features
of the present invention. Figure 1 does not show all of the parts of the
sawmill,
but rather identifies the sawmill's major components, each of which is further
described in figures 2 - 12. A chainsaw is removably connected to a sawhead
support assembly which is in turn connected to a vertical post (104). The
sawhead support assembly can be adjusted on the vertical slide (108) in at
least
one, preferably two axes of rotation. The chainsaw and sawhead support
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assembly can be moved in a vertical direction along post (104) through the use
of vertical slide. The vertical post (104) is affixed to a carriage base (102)
which
is preferably generally triangular in shape. The carriage base (102) has at
least
two fixed, wheel assemblies (110) located on opposite ends of one side, and
capable of rolling along a guide rail (130). The carriage base (102) is also
connected to at least one outrigger assembly (106) at the end of the triangle
that opposes the wheel assemblies (110). The outrigger assembly (106) has at
least one adjustable outrigger wheel assembly (126) attached thereto. The
wheels of the outrigger wheel assembly (126) and the carriage base wheel
assemblies (110) roll along a pair of generally parallel guide rails (130),
which
can be a dedicated guide rail assembly, or a generic multipurpose ladder, such
as an aluminum ladder, as shown (128). The portable sawmill also has log
support assemblies (100) affixed to the guide rail (such as the ladder 128),
which are used for the positioning and handling of the log to be cut (not
shown
in Fig. 1).
The portable sawmill may also have a push handle (112) affixed to the carriage
base (102) for moving the carriage base (102) in a horizontal direction. The
portable sawmill may also have track sweepers (114) to clean the guide rails
during use, to provide for smooth movement of the carriage base (102) along
the track.
The sawmill, if fitted with a chainsaw sawhead (124), may also have a chainsaw
guard (120) to protect the user.
The sawmill may also have a lumber scale (122) to facilitate measurement of
the
depth-of-cut.
The push handle (112) may also have a throttle assembly, connected to the
throttle of the sawhead, be it chainsaw or bandsaw to allow for remote control
of
the engine throttle from the push handle (112).
The major components of the sawmill are further described in figures 2-12.
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Figures 2 and 3 show the log dog and log support assemblies (shown as 100 in
Figure 1). The log dog and log support assemblies may be affixed to, and
supported by, boards, planks, or beams, which, in turn, are also affixed to,
and
support, the guide rails (130), be it a dedicated guide rail assembly or a
ladder.
The log dog and log support assemblies hold the log (not shown) in place next
to
and parallel to the ladder (128).
Figure 2 shows the log dog and log support assemblies affixed next to a ladder
(128). A ladder stop (16) affixed by a ladder stop screw (16A) at either end
of
the ladder (128) ensure the carriage base (102) (not shown in Fig. 2) does not
roll off the ends of the ladder when in use.
Figures 2A and 2B are exploded views of the log dog and log support assembly
(100). Cross member (1) is affixed to inner bed support (2) with inner bed
support nut and bolt (2A, 2B). One end of the log support bar (3) is passed
through a hole in the inner bed support (2) and secured with a support bar
cotter pin (6). The log dog brace (4) is installed on the other end of the log
support bar (3). Log dog screw (10) screws into log dog (4) and is used to
keep
the log (not shown) in place, by screwing into or clamping the log.
Figure 3 shows detail of the outer bed support (7) and the ladder clamp (13).
The outer bed support (7) is affixed at the outer end of the log support bar
(3)
and cross member (1). The log dog and log support assembly are mounted to a
log support base (9) using fasteners (8). The log support base (9) also
supports
the guide rails (128), which are affixed between the inner bed supports (2)
and
ladder clamps (13). Each ladder clamp (13) is adjustably held in place
utilizing
carriage bolt (12), washer (14) and hand knob (15).
Figure 4 is an exploded view of the carriage base and vertical post assembly.
The carriage base (102 or 18), which can be generally triangular in shape, is
affixed to the vertical post (19) using nuts and bolts (19A, 19B, 19C, 19D). A
base stiffener (17) can optionally be used to provide added structural
integrity to
the carriage base (18). As shown, the base stiffener (17) is attached to the
underside of the carriage base (18) using nuts and bolts (18A, 18B).
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Figures 5 and 7 show exploded views of the carriage base wheel assembly,
outrigger wheel assemblies, and the outrigger. Large flanged wheels (21) are
fixed, and designed to ride on and abut against the inside upper lip of a
horizontal guide rail, such as the ladder (128). The inner fixed flanged
wheels
(21) are attached to the base (18) with nuts and bolts (21A, 21B). An
outrigger
fixed balance wheel (22) is affixed to an outrigger arm (20) with an outrigger
fixed balance wheel nut, bolt and washer (23, 23A, 23B). The outrigger fixed
balance wheel (22) is designed to ride on an upper plane of a horizontal guide
rail such as one length of a ladder (128). The outrigger (20) is affixed to
the
carriage base (18) using outrigger nuts, washers, and hand knobs (20A, 20B,
20C). The outrigger is adjustable to accommodate guide rail assemblies or
ladders of different widths.
The outrigger arm (20) also has a movable balance wheel (29) that can be
adjusted by the user to ride on the lower plane of a guide rail such as the
ladder
(128). The movable balance wheel (29) is affixed to an outrigger movable
balance wheel holder (28) using an outrigger movable balance wheel nut, bolt
and washer (30, 30A, 30B). The outrigger movable balance wheel holder (28)
is, in turn, adjustably affixed to the outrigger arm (20) using outrigger
movable
balance wheel holder knob and washer (31, 31A). The outrigger movable
balance wheel holder (28) can be moved in a vertical direction relative to the
outrigger arm (20), to allow for guide rails (130) of varying thicknesses to
be
used, as well as to facilitate the instailation of the outrigger arm (20) onto
the
guide raii (130). Operation of the thumb screw (31) allows for the quick-
connect
and quick-disconnect of the movable balance wheel holder (28) and outrigger
movable balance wheel (29). The outrigger fixed balance wheel (22) rides on
the top plane of the guide rail (130), and the outrigger movable balance wheel
(29) can ride on the lower plane of the guide rail (130).
Outer flanged wheels (24) are affixed to vertical outer wheel holders (26) by
way of nut, bolt and washer (25, 25A and 25B). The vertical outer wheel
holders (26) are adjustably mounted to horizontal outer wheel holders (27) by
way of washers and bolts (26A, 26B). Each outer wheel holder assembly is in
turn adjustably affixed to the carriage base (18) by means a hand knob and
washer (27B, 27A). Like the outrigger movable balance wheel holder (28), the
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vertical outer wheel holders (27) can be moved in a vertical direction
relative to
the horizontal outer wheel holders (26), and the inner wheel holder (26) can
be
moved in a horizontal direction relative to the carriage base (18), such
adjustments allowing for guide rails (130) of varying thicknesses to be used,
as
well as to facilitate the installation of the carriage base (18) onto the
guide rail
(130) such that the inner fixed flanged wheels (21) can ride on and abut
against
the inner upper lip of the guide rail (130), while the outer flanged wheels
(24)
are able to ride on the lower plane of the guiderail (130).
The distance between outrigger fixed balance wheel (22) and the inner fixed
flanged wheels (21) can be adjusted by moving the outrigger arm (20)
horizontally relative to the base (18), adjusting the outrigger movable
balance
wheel holder (28) relative to the outrigger arm (20), and then tightening
outrigger hand knobs (20C) to lock the outrigger arm (20) in place, and
outrigger movable balance wheel holder knob (31) to lock the outrigger movable
balance wheel holder (28) in place.
In addition, the outer flanged wheels (24) position can be adjusted
horizontally
and vertically by moving the horizontal outer wheel holders (27) relative to
carriage base (18) and vertical outer wheel holders (26) relative to inner
wheel
holder (27) respectively. These adjustments allow guide rails of different
dimensions to be used, for example, different widths and "thicknesses" of
ladders (128). The adjustments also allow for the securing of the base and
outrigger assembly onto the guide rail (130) so that the carriage base (18)
can
move neither laterally nor vertically, but can only move horizontally along
the
guide rail (130).
Both the outrigger (20), horizontal outer and the wheel holders (27) and the
outrigger movable balance wheel holder (28) can be designed to be "quick
connect/disconnect" so that a user can quickly separate the carriage base (18)
from the guide rails (130) (as ladder (128)).
The guide rails (130) can be supplied by the manufacturer and specifically
designed for the portable sawmill, or optionally (and as shown), the user of
the
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sawmill can use a generic ladder, such as an aluminum multi-purpose ladder
(128) as guide rails (130).
Figure 6 shows an exploded view of the vertical slide (33). The sawmill
features
close contact sleeve construction to couple the vertical slide (33) with the
post
(19) to facilitate vertical sliding movement without the need for intermediate
friction-reducing mechanisms such as bearings, bushings or the like. The
vertical slide (33) allows for lateral displacement of the sawhead support
(56)
(not shown in figure 6) is mounted to vertical slide (33), and, as a result,
the
sawhead (124), relative to the post (19). The vertical slide (33) can be
displaced vertically by means of a crank handle (39). The crank handle (39) is
affixed to the post top (36), which is, in turn, frictionally mounted to the
top of
the post (19), and secured with post top boit (36A). Crank handle (39) is
functionally connected to lift screw (34), which threads through lift screw
nut
(33C) on the vertical slide (33). Post top bushing (37) and post top nut (38)
fasten the crank handle (39) to the lift screw (34) through the post top (36).
Turning the crank handle (39) thus turns the lift screw (34), causing vertical
slide (33) to move up and down along the post (19). Vertical slide locking
handle (35), screwed into the vertical slide (33), allows for the locking of
vertical
motion of the vertical slide (33) along the post (19) by frictionally engaging
the
post (19) when turned. Post top (36) prevents the movement of vertical slide
(33) beyond the top of post (19).
Figure 10 shows an exploded view of the sawhead support assembly (118)
assembled on a chainsaw (118). Figure 12 shows how the sawhead support
assembly (118) affixes to the vertical slide (33). The sawhead support (56)
affixes to the chainsaw or bandsaw sawhead (J) through bolts, lock washers,
washers, and screw nuts (56 A-E) (shown in Figure 10). The sawhead support
(56) can be affixed to the vertical slide (33) by a quick-connect/disconnect
mechanism such as one or more bolts and nuts (57 and 57A). In this manner,
the sawhead (118) can be connected or disconnected from the sawmill quickly to
facilitate handli.ng and transport. The vertical slide (33) also contains at
least
one or more, but preferably four, sawhead support adjusting bolts (33A) and
sawhead support adjusting nuts (33B) to allow for quick and accurate
adjustment of the sawhead pitch and plane relative to the vertical slide (33),
and
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to allow the user of the sawmill to level the sawhead horizontally. Note that
once the desired adjustment is made to sawhead support adjusting bolts (33A),
the sawhead (124), through the sawhead support (56), can normally be
removed and re-affixed to the vertical slide (33) without needing readjustment
of pitch and plane.
Figure 12 also shows chainsaw sawhead guard (58), mounted onto vertical slide
(33) through the use of chainsaw guard hand knob (59). The chainsaw sawhead
guard (58) helps protect the user from accidentally touching the chainsaw bar
(118) whiie in use. Also shown is lumber scale (60), which is mounted to the
vertical post (19) using lumber scale velcro (60A) and post top velcro (40)
(shown in Figure 6). The lumber scale (60) allows the user to accurately set
the
height of the vertical slide (33) and sawhead, thus permitting him to set the
depth of the cut to achieve his desired board measurements.
Figure 8 shows the push handle (112) and track sweeper assemblies (114).
Track sweepers (32) are felt pads affixed to the outrigger arm (20) and the
carriage base (18) by track sweeper bolts (32A). The track sweepers (32) are
located in line with the inner fixed flanged wheels (21) and the outrigger
fixed
balance wheel (22). Track sweepers (32) are typically saturated in oil by the
user and act to clean and lubricate the guiderails (130) while the sawmill is
in
use, by rubbing against the guide rails (130) as the carriage base (18) is
moved
along the guide rails (130).
The sawmill may also have a push handle (50), connected to the carriage base
(18) (shown here connected through push handle receiver (41)), that permits
the user to easily, comfortably and conveniently push the carriage base (18)
and
the sawhead horizontally along the guide rails. The push handle (50) is shown
here attached through the carriage base (18), but it may also be connected to
the sawhead support (56), the vertical slide (33), or directly to the sawhead
itself. As shown, push handle receiver (41) is affixed to the carriage base
(18)
using push handle receiver bolts and nuts (41A-D). Push handle receiver (41)
is
adapted to receive push handle (50), which can be adjustably locked in place
using push handle receiver hand knob (42). Push handle grips (43) are
frictionally engaged on the ends of push handle (50) to provide better grip
for
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the user. The push handle (50) can thus be easily and quickly assembled and
disassembled from the push handle receiver (41) for compact storage and
transport. The push handle (50) facilitates use of the sawmill by allowing the
user to stand away from the sawhead, and transfers horizontal movement from
the user through to the carriage base (18) to allow the lateral movement of
the
carriage base (18) along the guiderails. The push handle (50) is adjustable to
accommodate operators of different heights, by adjusting the push handle (50)
in and out of the push handle receiver (41), then frictionally locking it in
place
with the push handle receiver hand knob (42). The push handle (50) can easily
be attached and removed from the push handle receiver (41) for quick assembly
and disassembly, and for compactness when transporting the disassembled
sawmill.
Shown in Figure 9, the push handle (50) comprises a throttle assembly (116),
operatively connected to the sawhead engine, which allows the operator to
remotely, easily and conveniently control the chainsaw (124) engine throttle.
In the case of a chainsaw sawhead, the throttle assembly (116) comprises a
throttle actuator assembly (comprising a fixed throttle actuator (52) and a
movable throttle actuator (53)) which is operably and removably affixed to the
throttle of the sawhead, through the use of throttle actuator coupling nut
(55),
movable throttle actuator bolt (54A) and movable throttle actuator nut (54B).
Fixed throttle actuator bolt (52A) and fixed throttle actuator nut (52B)
provide a
pivot point around which the fixed throttle actuator may rotate to depress and
reversably release the throttle of the sawhead. The movable throttle actuator
(53) can be moved in relation to the fixed throttle actuator (54) to actuate
the
chainsaw throttle (not shown). The movable throttle actuator (53) is affixed
to a
throttle inner wire (45A), which is itself cased in a throttle exterior cable
casing
(45). In the case of a bandsaw sawhead (not shown), the throttle inner wire
(45A) is affixed directly to the engine's throttle lever. The inner wire (45A)
is
itself cased in a throttle exterior casing (45).
In the case of either sawhead, the throttle exterior cable casing is in turn
affixed
to the push handle (50) using throttle cable clamps (46) and throttle cable
clamp
bolts (46A). The throttle wire (45)is secured to throttle handle (44) which is
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rotatable around throttle handle bolt (44A) at throttle coupling nut (48), via
throttle coupling bolt (48A). The throttle exterior cable casing (45) runs the
length of the push handle (50) to a throttle handle (44) affixed to the distal
end
of the push handle (50) by means of throttle handle bolt and nut (44A and B).
The throttle handle (44) can be squeezed by a user towards the push handle
(50) and is biased away from the push handle (50) through the use of throttle
return spring (47). Return spring (47) is affixed to a distal point on the
push
handle (50) by means of screw (49), and affixed to the throttle handle by
means
of throttle coupling nut (48A). Squeezing the throttle handle (44) towards the
push handle (50) displaces throttle inner wire (45A) which is affixed to the
throttle handle (44) with a coupler nut (48) and fasteners (48B). This, in
turn,
displaces the movable throttle actuator (53) in relation to the fixed throttle
actuator (52). The fixed throttle actuator (52) is clamped to the chainsaw in
such a way that this displacement of the movable throttle actuator (53) causes
displacement of the chainsaw throttle (not shown), resulting in the ability to
control the chainsaw speed through the squeezing of the throttle handle (44).
In the case of a bandsaw sawhead, squeezing the throttle handle (44) towards
the push handle (50) displaces the throttle inner wire (45A), which, in turn,
controls the engine throttle. The throttle assembly (116) also quickly
disconnects from the sawhead and the push handle (50) in a single cluster, and
optionally disconnects from the sawhead without disconnection from the push
handle (50) for rapid assembly/disassembly of the sawmill.
As shown in Figure 13, the invention optionally provides a lubrication system.
A
lubricant case (80) is configured to hold a lubricant bottle (82), which
contains
an industrial grade lubricant. At the bottom of the lubricant bottle (82), a
bottle
tap (83) punctures the base of the bottle. The bottle tap is connected to a
tap
valve (84), which in turn is connected to tube (85). Tube (85) extends along
the
chainsaw guard and is affixed thereto by tube clip (89) and tube clip screw
(89A). At its distal end, tube (85) is connected to a faucet (87) for
distributing
the lubricant onto the blade of the chainsaw and hence to the chain. Faucet
(87)
is held in place by means of faucet collar (86), which is secured using faucet
nut
(86A) and faucet bolt (86B), as well as lower faucet bolt (88), faucet lock
washer
(88A) and faucet washer (88B). The lubricant case (80) is attached to chainsaw
guard (58) by means of a lubricant case support (90), which is releasably
CA 02541734 2006-04-04
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inserted into lubricant case support holder (92) on chainsaw guard (58). A
support thumb screw (81) is used to releasably secure lubricant case support
(90) to lubricant case support holder (92).
Figure 11 shows the assembled sawmill, minus the sawhead and the push
handle (50). Figure 11A shows an end view of the carriage base (18) affixed to
the guiderails (in this case, a ladder (128)), and shows the desired wheel
alignment for the inner fixed flanged wheels (21), outrigger fixed balance
wheel
(22), outrigger movable balance wheel (29), and outer flanged wheels (24).
Figure 14 shows a log mounted onto the log support bar (3), and held in place
by the log dog (4). Figures 15-20 show the sawmill in use. The carriage base
(18) (and, as a result, the sawhead) is moved to one end of the guide rails
(130). A log is placed onto the log support bar (3) and is fixed in place
using log
dog (4). The sawhead and sawhead support (56) are adjusted vertically on the
post (19) using crank handle (39) until the saw blade is at a desired height
to
cut the log at the desired depth to achieve the desired thickness. The
carriage
base (18) (and, as a result, the sawhead) is then moved horizontally along the
guide rails using the push handle (50) to cut the log. Throughout, the
throttle
handle (44) on the push handle (50) is used to engage the throttle on the
sawhead engine. Once a"slice" of the log has been cut, providing a plank of
wood, the sawhead is returned to the starting position and adjusted downwards
on the post (19) by turning the crank handle (39) to slide the vertical slide
(33),
and, as a result the sawhead down the post (19), to cut another "slice". The
lumber scale (60) can be used to determine how far down to adjust the vertical
slide (33).
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the
embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments
within the scope of the following claims.
